Who is Who in VHB ProDok
Meet the lecturers of the VHB ProDok programme
Arne Schulz is currently Research Assistant at the University of Hamburg. His research focuses on identifying, formalising and analysing scientifically and practically relevant decision problems using a variety of quantitative optimisation methods. He teaches the VHB ProDok course Advanced Topics in Mathematical Programming.
What fascinates you about mathematical programming?
There are mainly two points: 1. The combination of a relatively simple structure and a huge range of applications for which mathematical programming can be used. 2. Mathematical programming helps me a lot to better understand problem structures and to gain new insights into problems (e.g. complexity, structural similarity to other problems).
What challenges and opportunities do you think early-career researchers face?
The main challenges remain the lack of predictability and transparency, and the glass ceiling preventing progression to lifetime professorship. If it helps, I feel the same way. However, tenure-track positions and the high proportion of professors who will be retiring in the next few years also offer opportunities. Hopefully, this will also help to reduce these challenges.
What inspires you?
Anything can serve as inspiration. It is important to approach a problem as impartially as possible, or to take a step back from time to time. This allows inspiration to unfold its magic.
Who is Who - About
VHB ProDok instructors are distinguished by their research excellence, internationally recognised expertise and high level of professional commitment. Many of them have been involved with the ProDok programme for a number of years. In the 'Who is Who' section, they share insights into their personal motivations, experience, and the courses they teach.
This section showcases the exceptional quality of VHB ProDok, highlighting its status as a unique initiative brought together by dedicated scholars who value sound research, methodological rigour, and collegial exchange — all curated by the VHB.